'I'll vote if they deliver on campaign promises'

'I'll vote if they deliver on campaign promises'

The legislative election is only few weeks away, but many are
still unaware about the function of and the candidates for the
new Regional Representatives Council (DPD). Although the
"senator" candidates' posters, banners and vehicles have been
splashed around the city, the residents with whom The Jakarta
Post spoke to said they were still in the dark.

Azharry, 36, is a taxi driver who lives in Kebon Sirih,
Central Jakarta:

I've seen many posters and campaign cars for these DPD
candidates. But, to tell you the truth, I have no idea what the
DPD is.

I haven't registered to vote in the general elections, so
what's the point?

I might vote in the next elections if these candidates -- both
the DPD and party candidates -- deliver on their campaign
promises.

Andi, 35, (not his real name), a vice president of a financial
company in the Sudirman Central Business District. He lives in
Jatinegara, East Jakarta:

I think many people are still confused with the mechanism of
the elections, including the DPD candidates. The problem lies
with poor public information. The government should use all
possible media to reach out to the people given that these direct
elections are the first of their kind in the country.

In my neighborhood, I see many posters and flags for the DPD
candidates along with those of other legislative candidates from
political parties. I don't know most of them, or their
backgrounds and capabilities.

I think the elections will be fruitful if we have a list of
people whom we can familiarize ourselves with. For instance, as a
businessperson, if (economist) Kwik Kian Gie were on the DPD
list, I would vote for him because I know his commitment and
capability.

Anyway, I will exercise my right to vote, although I'm not yet
sure about their capabilities.

-- The Jakarta Post